Virginia’s false choice on the death penalty: Barbarism or secrecy

PRESENTED WITH legislation that would expand use of the electric chair in Virginia, Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) has offered an alternative that he called “a reasonable middle ground.” In fact, the governor’s proposal would replace a barbaric practice (the electric chair) with a constitutionally suspect one (a veil of secrecy over executions).

Stop the bargains on executions

EXECUTION remains the most severe penalty any government can exact. But Virginia finds it increasingly difficult to carry out death sentences. The complications have some asking if it’s worth the heavy lifting required.